A few weeks ago we made a trip to Mitsuwa for ramen at the Santouka stand, another favorite weekend activity. Even though this is a chain store, this is the only place in Chicago that we know of that comes close enough to the ramen we had in Japan. So for us, the long trip to Schaumburg is always worth the trip. Plus it gives us an excuse to stop by Ikea (Jared's favorite store...).

To our delight, when we arrived we noticed a sign for a weeklong gourmet fair that included an authentic Takoyaki stand. Whaaaaat!?!?! Takoyaki was one of our favorite things to eat at vendor stalls while were in Osaka. Score! Brings back so many great memories, walking down Dotonburi street. It's rare to find places around here who make takoyaki from scratch (it's usually frozen) which is why we prefer to make it at home. So we returned with glee this past Sunday, dragging Mama and Papa Diec (my parents) along for the ride.

Takoyaki Meister at work

According to Jared the bag they packaged our Takoyaki in says "something... something... from Osaka"

I think I see the word for Dotonburi street.

It was just a super cute bag.

Get in my belly!

Up close and personal

And of course, a trip to Mitsuwa wouldn't be complete without a bowl of Tonkotsu Ramen and a sushi rice box.